2012 NBA Playoffs

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Spurs sixth man Manu Ginobili is hoping that the Memphis Grizzlies-Los Angeles Clippers playoff match-up will go the full route so they can have more time to prepare.

"I think I prefer a long series," Ginobili told the San Antonio Express, referring to the Grizzlies-Clippers series, the winner of which the Spurs will face in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals.

"Whoever wins gets a little more tired," added Ginobili, who scored 17 points to help the Spurs sweep the Utah Jazz, 87-81 in the first round of the playoffs.

After prevailing in Game 5, the Grizzlies have the opportunity to force a winner-take-all match Friday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

If needed, Game 7 will be played on Sunday in Memphis. The other Western Conference semifinal series will feature the Oklahoma City Thunder and the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets series.

The Nuggets forced Game 6 after beating the Lakers, 102-99. The Thunder, for their part, swept the defending champions Dallas Mavericks.

While waiting for their next opponent, the Spurs on Wednesday conducted a 90-minute full intra-squad practice to prepare for the semifinals.

"You get the opportunity to prepare a little bit more for whoever you are going to play," Ginobili explained. "Individually, you can work on things you haven't had time to do to work on. You gain in some regards, and you lose a little rhythm."

 

Thunder's James Harden wins NBA's Sixth Man Award

Oklahoma City Thunder reserve James Harden was the unanimous choice for the National Basketball Association's Sixth Man Award.

The bearded Harden garnered 584 out of possible 595 points, including 115 of a possible 119 first-place votes from a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada.

In 62 games, 60 of which were off the bench, Harden averaged 16.8 points, highest among reserves. He also averaged 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 31.4 minutes per contest.

With his outstanding play, Harden helped the Thunder to a NBA's third-best record of 47-19 and was instrumental in the Thunder's sweep of the defending champions Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

Harden's consistency has made life easier for Thunder superstar Kevin Durant as he scored in double figures in 58 of 62 games.

Lou Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers finished second with 231 points. He led the 76ers in scoring with 14.9 points per game despite not starting a single game.

Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks finished third with 81 points. He won the award for the 2008-2009 season.

 

 

Ginobili Hopes Grizzlies-Clippers Series Goes Distance